Explosion at ACP’s apartment triggers panic in Vijayawada

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Panic gripped residents of an apartment complex in the Patamata Lanka area of Vijayawada after a major explosion occurred at the residence of a senior police officer on Tuesday afternoon. An air-conditioner compressor reportedly exploded inside the flat of ACP Satyanandam, triggering a subsequent gas cylinder blast that damaged portions of the apartment and sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood.

Fortunately, no family members were inside the flat at the time of the incident, preventing what could have turned into a major tragedy. However, one person sustained serious injuries after being hit by debris hurled out by the force of the explosion.

According to preliminary information, ACP Satyanandam and his family had left for a foreign tour on May 7, leaving the apartment locked. Residents said they suddenly heard a loud blast from the flat during the afternoon. Investigators suspect that the AC compressor malfunctioned and exploded first, with the impact triggering the explosion of a nearby LPG gas cylinder.

The back-to-back explosions shattered window panes and caused structural damage within the apartment premises. Frightened residents rushed out of their homes after hearing the deafening sound, fearing a larger fire accident.

During the explosion, a large stone or piece of debris was thrown outside the building and struck a passerby or nearby resident, leaving him seriously injured. Locals immediately shifted the injured person to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police and fire department personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. Firefighters carried out inspections to ensure there was no further risk of fire or additional explosions. Officials cordoned off the area and began examining the cause of the mishap.

Authorities suspect that a technical fault in the air-conditioner compressor may have led to the initial blast, though a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events.